John Donovan
John Donovan was an influential author known for his realistic problem novels aimed at young adults, tackling complex themes such as divorce, alcoholism, loneliness, grief, and homosexuality with a compassionate approach. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1928, he pursued a law degree after graduating from William and Mary College and worked as a lawyer for the Library of Congress before transitioning to children's literature in the early 1960s. His notable work, *I'll Get There: It Better Be Worth the Trip*, is recognized as one of the first contemporary American young adult novels featuring homosexual content, presenting the protagonist's experiences with realism. Donovan also served as the executive director of the Children's Book Council from 1967 until his death in 1992, advocating for quality and diverse literature for children. His other works, including *Wild in the World* and *Remove Protective Coating a Little at a Time*, further explore themes of isolation and communication within families. While some of his novels received mixed reviews regarding their appropriateness for younger audiences, many critics acknowledged the importance of addressing challenging topics for adolescent readers. Donovan's legacy endures through his commitment to meaningful storytelling that resonates with young people. He passed away from cancer in New York City on April 29, 1992.
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John Donovan
Playwright
- Born: April 11, 1905
- Birthplace: Lynn, Massachusetts
- Died: April 29, 1992
- Place of death: Manhattan, New York
Biography
John Donovan wrote realistic problem novels for young adults, and his books were noted for presenting difficult themes to adolescents, including divorce, alcoholism, loneliness, grief, and homosexuality, with realism and compassion.
Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1928, Donovan graduated from William and Mary College and received a law degree from University of Virginia. He was a lawyer for the Library of Congress until he began a career in children’s literature in the early 1960’s. His first juvenile novel, The Little Orange Book, was published in 1961, and his two plays for adults were produced as Riverside Drive in 1964. In 1967, Donovan became executive director of the Children’s Book Council, a position he would hold until his death in 1992.
I’ll Get There: It Better Be Worth the Trip is often cited as the first contemporary American young adult novel with homosexual content. The protagonist, Davy, is a lonely boy who lives with his alcoholic mother. A brief homosexual encounter between Davy and a school friend is presented as a natural part of growing up. Many critics welcomed the novel; others felt it was inappropriate for such a young audience. I’ll Get There was a runner-up for a Newbery Medal and won several other children’s book awards.
Wild in the World also won several children’s book awards. It is the story of a young orphan whose isolation is relieved only by a stray dog. The book received mixed reviews. Again, some critics felt the material was too bleak for children, and others felt the novel’s exploration of loneliness and grief was necessary for contemporary children. Remove Protective Coating a Little at a Time continues to explore Donovan’s themes of isolation and lack of communication within families. The young main character, Harry, finds hope of intergenerational communication when he befriends an elderly homeless woman. Good Old James is about the loneliness of an older retired man.
Family, which received a Children’s Book of the Year citation, considers the unkind behavior of human beings from the perspective of a clan of apes escaped from a university laboratory. The community which the apes form contrasts with the isolation of the human characters.
While working for the Children’s Book Council, Donovan wrote many articles about children’s literature for periodicals such as Horn Book, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal. He was an advocate for quality, variety, and challenging material for children and educators in a profit-driven era in children’s book publishing. His books are regarded as fulfilling his goal of presenting meaningful and challenging themes for young readers. Donovan died of cancer in New York City on April 29, 1992.